Schoolchildren are subject to conditioning in many different aspects. They are conditioned to understand that there are negative consequences to breaking rules. They are also conditioned to understand that there are positive consequences for performing well in class. One conditioning exercise I remember in my schooling is the attempted instilment of a positive mental attitude. I don’t remember how long this went on, but for years it seemed like, I was taught to think positively and to project an endlessly positive self-image.

There were whole class periods, pamphlets, charts, and projects devoted to making us believe in our self-worth. For unorthodox, awkward individuals such as myself, this approach towards life doesn’t always work as intended. I wasn’t exactly the most popular kid in junior or senior high school and as a result, I became what some people call a cynic, adopting the opposite of a positive mental attitude.

There wasn’t much happiness to be found on this side of the spectrum either as the very perspective is one that is absent of joy. In the last few years, I have moved away from cynicism, but not exactly have I become an optimist. I am in the middle of the road, and I like being there.

I firmly believe the teaching of an overt projection of a positive mental attitude to be unhealthy in the end. This sort of philosophy simply doesn’t work for some children, such as myself. At the same time, the overt projection of a positive mental attitude may breed arrogance in some children who react very well to taking in the positive messages directed by programs found in grade schools.

While overemphasizing self-esteem is not a good thing, neither is developing a cynical attitude towards life. A cynical attitude develops a weak perspective that is as unrealistic as an overly positive one. A gloomy, poor self-esteem may lead to psychological problems like depression and hinder any and all chances of success.

The point is that schools educating young children need to find an appropriate middle ground, one that doesn’t emphasize extreme positive thinking. Extreme positive thinking is not realistic in life and can create an unhealthy attitude. Realism seems to be the rational road to take in bringing up children.

Then again, there is confusion in what is in the realm of possibility and what isn’t. If we brought up all children to believe that becoming a major league baseball player wasn’t possible, not too many people would try heading down that path.

The very simple solution is to bring up kids in a semi-positive environment without overemphasizing their self-worth. It should be a point to advocate simple equality, if anything, in children. For the most part, kids will figure it out themselves. Regardless, there are always going to be arrogant people and those with self-confidence issues.

Humans have been created to have a vast array of different emotions each serving some sort of purpose. Sometimes, it’s good to be depressed, while other times; it’s good to be confident and happy. Emotions help to keep us in check, and those that are in a particular mood don’t need to be told that there is something wrong with them.